Mercedes Accelerates EV Program

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz arm plans to introduce the first of four all-new mainstream electric vehicles in 2018—a year earlier than originally planned.

The model cadence also has changed, Car reports. The magazine, which cites unnamed sources, says a midsize sedan with a 185-inch wheelbase (slotted between the current C- and E-Class models) will arrive first followed by a similarly sized electric crossover vehicle.

Previous reports had indicated Mercedes’ first EV would be a fullsize SUV (larger than the GLS). That vehicle and an S-Class-sized electric sedan now will come early next decade after the two midsize EVs, according to the report.

The vehicles will be built on a dedicated modular platform, dubbed EVA. The architecture will share elements with Mercedes’ ubiquitous rear-wheel-drive MRA chassis that carries everything from C- to S-Class cars.

Rear-wheel-drive versions of the vehicles will be fitted with a 300-kW motor, while all-wheel-drive models will add a smaller (90- or 150-kW) second motor, according to the report. All vehicles will use a high-capacity 880-lb battery pack built into the floor pan.

A variety of advanced electric systems will be used in the new cars, including wheel-specific regenerative brakes, torque vectoring and an adaptive suspension, Car says. Several autonomous vehicle features also are expected.

Daimler aims for annual sales of about 20,000 units for each of the four models. Mercedes will build the EVs at its plant in Bremen, Germany, instead of a previously rumored new facility, according to Car.

Mercedes also is planning an updated version of its B-Class EV and a high-end flagship model, according to recent reports. A new EV designed for and to be built in China also is said to be in the works.